photo by d_vdm
I've debated back and forth about having a workout partner. I wouldn't mind having a workout partner, however, I've weighed the pros and cons and decided that I'm better off working out on my own. I do know what I'm probably missing out on by not having one:
Pros of having a workout partner
- Motivation - a workout partner can push you
- Spotter - it's nice having someone to spot you
- More likely to workout when you have to meet someone
- Can help you maintain proper form
- Can challenge each other
While the benefits above are nice, the cons seem to outweigh them in my opinion.
Cons of having a workout partner:
- May not have the same fitness goals
- May not be dependable
- Lack of solitude
- Having to keep a schedule
- More cause for distractions
- Can slow you down
Finding a good workout partner can be difficult. Even family and friends can be difficult to turn into reliable workout partners. I do prefer the solitude of working out. Many times when I exercise I like clearing my head and letting out my frustrations on the weights or cardio machines. It's "my time" and it's nice when you just want to get away.
Every now and then I do wish that I had a like-minded workout partner for motivational purposes. Until then, I'll stick to listening to my iPod for motivation. What is your opinion on workout partners - yay or nay?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
There are botht pro’s and con’s to training with a partner. A good partner will give you more motivation and you will not want to let them down and miss a training sesion.
You must find a partner with a similar fitness and goals or you will leave them standing and they wil not come back.
I however have given my bestwhen training by myself as I can make the schedule flixible and if something comes up during the day, trainin later.
http://www.runinthesun.com
I came to the same conclusion as you and opted to go it alone at the gym.
When I go in I’m 100% focused on the task at hand. My workouts only last 60 minutes at most because I go in with a plan, I know what exercises I’m going to do and I just hit it at maximum intensity.
The upsides you mention are real – for example I don’t tend to bench press free weights as I don’t have a buddy to spot me but by the time I’m leaving the gym after a full workout there are some guys there who have barely lifted a weight despite being there the same length of time as me.
Worse, they often choose to make small talk on the machine I want to use
Grrr!
I 100% agree with this article. I have had dozens of workout partners over the years, some have lasted days, some months. But long story made short, none have lasted long term, and have ended up holding me back more than pushing me forward.
Actually I am pro for training partner however I must agree that if your training partner is not ambitious and has not the same goals is better to train alone listening to some music.
I have experience on training with different kind of people and from about 6 only 1 is training with for more than 1 year.
It’s really hard to find a good training partner but if you find one it can move your training to a higher level thus your success.
Train hard!